After the imported BMW i4 model makes people stupidly unable to distinguish the shape of new energy vehicles and fuel vehicles, the electrified BMW Brilliance i3 also came, and at first glance, I believe that many people are also stupid to distinguish between the i3 and the 3 series.
Seriously, the design of the new i3 model has at least entered the mainstream compared to the old imported i3 model, which will be officially discontinued in July 2022. However, there is only one model on the market for i3 at present, and the manufacturer's suggested retail price is 349,900 yuan.
In terms of design, the i3 has a larger double kidney grille profile, the middle mesh part is closed, and with blue decoration, the headlight part uses a more three-dimensional line, and the air intake part under the front bumper has an active opening and closing function. As a tail echo, the rear part of the i3 has diffusers placed on both sides, the visual effect is exaggerated, but it is also a practical air kit.
On the side, you can also see the "shark's cheek" vent in the front fender section of the i3 extending a ridge, further optimizing the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, and the 19-inch wheels are also aerodynamically designed, and the tires are also low roll resistance tires. In addition, the i3's body length, width and high appearance data are 4872/1846/1481mm, and the wheelbase reaches 2966mm, so that its wind resistance coefficient is 0.24Cd.
Due to the advantage of wheelbase, the rear space of the i3 is more advantageous than that of the 3 Series, because the floor is higher, the height of the i3 rear seat cushion will be designed to be relatively low, leaving more space for the head, but the seat cushion and backrest part of the rear seat are thickened compared to the 3 Series. To complain, the rear floor of the i3 still retains a raised part, which is the same as the i4 model, so that the passenger comfort in the middle of the rear row will be greatly reduced.
As a new energy model, i3's sense of science and technology is very in place, 12.3-inch digital dashboard and 14.9-inch central control multimedia display constitute a penetrating suspension curved screen, the central control multimedia display will tilt to the main driving position, in order to facilitate the driver to read the data at the same time, but also to create a driving atmosphere. The original car's standard 6 speakers can be upgraded to the Harman/Kardon brand's 17 speakers, with a total power of 535W.
The iDrive 8.0 operating system is also a highlight, many options can be easily called up, the recognition of the voice control system is also very high, so the i3 model has also streamlined many physical buttons on the center console, and the traditional gear handle has also been replaced by a delicate and compact lever. As for the multimedia system, it will be equipped with 24 mini programs such as WeChat car version, QQ music, and Himalaya, and support CarPlay and OTA upgrade functions.
The i3 will be equipped with 9 combinations of ambient mood lights, led welcome pedals under the front and rear doors, and a "Angel Wings" welcome light blanket. What is more ceremonial is that the i3 supports BMW digital keys, you only need to close the phone to the door to unlock the vehicle, after entering the car, as long as the mobile phone is placed on the wireless charging board, you can directly start the vehicle.
As for the power system, the i3 is equipped with a rear single motor with a power of 210kW, a maximum torque of 400N·m, an official 0-100km/h acceleration of 6.2 seconds, a cruising range of 526 km under clTC standards, and in addition to the traditional idle driving mode, it also provides a "single pedal" mode with strong kinetic energy recovery.
It is also worth noting that the i3 uses adaptive air suspension, supports height and soft and hard adjustment, and even the body height is lower than the 3 Series, the front and rear track data are wider, and with reference to the actual performance of the i4 model, we believe that the driving experience of the i3 will not be worse than the 3 Series.
So, what are the competitors of i3?
Tesla China - Model 3
Manufacturer guidance price 29.0988-36.79 million yuan
Referring to the price of the i3 model, the Tesla Model 3 Performance high-performance all-wheel drive version is believed to be its strong opponent. Even after experiencing price increases, the Tesla Model 3 Performance still deserves its price.
On the acceleration performance, the i3 is certainly not an opponent, on the degree of good opening, the performance of the Model 3 is not bad, on the L2 level driver assistance system, the Model 3 standard is more comprehensive, and even has steering wheel heating and front and rear seat heating functions, which has a greater advantage in the northern region. However, if it is more luxurious than the creation of luxury, then the Model 3 is indeed a little worse.
NIO - NIO ET5
Manufacturer guidance price 328,000-38.60 million yuan
Nio ET5 currently has a total of 2 models on sale, the difference is mainly in the battery to provide the range, and the i3's guidance price is exactly stuck between the two models, the battery capacity is slightly lower than the entry-level NIO ET5, and the test mileage data is also slightly inferior.
Weilai ET5, whether it is interior texture or driving texture, is very close to the luxury brand, after-sales service is also very thoughtful, and the configuration is slightly dominant, with L2 level driver assistance functions, electric induction trunk doors and so on. It just so happens that the price of the entry-level NIO ET5 after the optional Nappa premium interior set is very close to the i3, which may make many consumers difficult to choose.
Xiaopeng Automobile - Xiaopeng P7
Manufacturer guidance price 23.99-42.99 million yuan
The chassis of xiaopeng P7 is adjusted by Porsche, the texture of the chassis is very advanced, and the whole vehicle is not bad in terms of design, space, interior and configuration, and is qualified as a competitor of the i3 model.
Of course, the price of the benchmark i3, you can almost choose the 670E + Pengyi version of the model, although the acceleration performance is slightly slower than the i3, but the 670km test mileage is indeed a big advantage, the 18-speaker Dana audio is also a major improvement in texture configuration.